Category archive: Blog category 1

Gas lighting is an unusual term for what is possibly one of the most insidious forms of emotional manipulation and abuse. The term comes from an old black and white movie where one of the characters manipulates the lighting in the house and when his wife comments on it he tells her it’s only her…

There are many different types and degrees of night terrors, sometimes referred to as sleep terrors. These are a form of parasomnia which can have some sufferers thrashing around in their sleep, shouting, crying out, screaming or performing violent acts on those next to them. Some may even move about or get up and walk…

Often when struggling with anxiety issues such as phobias or Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), many people feel challenged and even trapped by intense feelings of fear and uncertainty. I believe that in many cases it is the intense fear that people try to avoid by performing a rituals of some kind or trying to preempt…

Trauma Bonding Trauma bonding refers to the attachment victims of abuse or neglect form with their abuser. Sometimes that attachment takes the form of obsessive thoughts of hatred or revenge. More commonly though it refers to a fear of, and loyalty towards the perpetrator. Because of that loyalty the victim may sometimes confuse this fear…

Trauma bonding was a term first used by Patrick Carnes. Also referred to sometimes as Stockholm Syndrome, it is commonly associated with the submissive and loyal relationship that can sometimes develop between a hostage and their kidnapper. However the term actually refers to a wide range of emotions and reactions in any relationship where there…

Sleep allows us to recharge from our stressful and ever complicated lives. It leaves us refreshed and ready to face another day and another challenge. But I think it’s fair to say that we all from time to time have uncomfortable nights experiencing bad dreams, insomnia, or restlessness. However if this becomes regular and chronic…

The term alcoholic normally conjures up an image of someone who is always drunk, dishevelled and dysfunctional. Someone who is perhaps unemployed and aggressive toward others. However a high functioning alcoholic (HFA), is someone who is able to hold down a job and maintain relationships. An HFA may not realise they have a problem or…

A while ago I crossed paths with an old friend I’ll call Dan I hadn’t seen since we were about eighteen. He was delivering goods to a shop as I was passing. I didn’t recognise him at first as he was wearing glasses and had gone bald, like his dad had before him. He didn’t…

Ever get the feeling you’re no good at what you do? Worry that you’re not breaking a sweat when trying and that someone sooner or later is going to see through you as the fraud that you are? We all have feelings of doubt from time to time but sometimes when we are consistently unable…